13 Charlotte suspects arrested in federal drug investigation

FBI agents and Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested 13 people early Friday in a crack cocaine trafficking case centered around a “hot spot” of Charlotte drug activity.

The eight-month investigation focused on drug sales on a street corner in the Beatties Ford Road area, authorities said. If convicted on all charges, the defendants could spend the rest of their lives in prison.

“We will continue to work side by side to identify and prosecute those who are responsible for spreading drugs in our streets and wreaking havoc in our neighborhoods,” U.S. Attorney Anne Tompkins said in announcing the arrests.

All of those arrested are from Charlotte. All were charged with varying counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

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▪ Noel Rondell Alexander, alias “Floyd,” 25. Alexander faces a maximum 160 years in prison and $11 million in fines.

▪ Akanni Butler, alias “KB,” 29. Butler faces a maximum 100 years in prison and $8 million in fines.

▪ Anthony Carter, alias “Sanchez,” 26. Carter faces a maximum 180 years in prison and $15 million in fines.

▪ Akeem Ford, alias “Nike,” 21. Ford faces a maximum 120 years in prison and $9 million in fines.

▪ Kenate Funderburk, alias “Tay,” 35. Funderburk faces a maximum 100 years in prison and $8 million in fines.

▪ Isaac Hampton, alias “Ike,” 26. Hampton faces a maximum 160 years in prison and $11 million in fines.

▪ William Kee III, 20. Kee faces a maximum 120 years in prison and $9 million in fines.

▪ Anthony C. Lindsay, alias “Chez,” 26. Lindsay faces a maximum 100 years in prison and $8 million in fines.

▪ Keith Rivera, 23. Rivera faces a maximum 80 years in prison and $7 million in fines.

▪ Rodney Smith, alias “Man,” 22. He was also charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Smith faces a maximum 190 years in prison and $12 million in fines.

▪ Jonathan Stewart, alias “J Rock,” 29. Stewart faces a maximum 120 years in prison and $9 million in fines.

▪ Vincent Thompson, 32. Thompson faces a maximum 120 years in prison and $9 million in fines.

▪ Jamel Watson, alias “Man,” 18. Watson faces a maximum 80 years in prison and $7 million in fines.

Two more suspects were indicted on federal charges but have not been arrested.

▪ Shemia Glenn, alias “Pooh,” 22. Glenn faces a maximum 100 years in prison and $8 million in fines.

▪ Antonio Sullivan, alias “Pooh,” 36. Sullivan faces a maximum 100 years in prison and $8 million in fines.

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